Harry Ebeling, the man affectionately known as “Mr. Oakwood,” died Saturday, July 14. Ebeling was preceded in death by his wife Martha Bowman Ebeling - the couple had been married for 61 years. CONTRIBUTED

Man known as ‘Mr. Oakwood’ dies

Harry Ebeling, the man affectionately known as “Mr. Oakwood,” died Saturday, July 14.

Ebeling, 85, was a 1950 graduate of Oakwood High School and finished his college education at Ohio Wesleyan University. He was president of the student body and a member of the Phi Gamma Delta fraternity.

He served his country as a commissioned officer in the United States Air Force, working as a pilot in the Strategic Air Command.

After his military service, Ebeling attended law school at the Ohio State University, graduating in 1959. He eventually joined his father’s (Philip) law firm, Pickrel, Schaefer and Ebeling, where he embarked on a successful law career.

But the man known as “Mr. Oakwood” gave back to his community in many ways. He was a founding member of three organizations: the Oakwood Schools Foundation, Oakwood Historical Society and the Stage Wright Friends.

He served as a member on many local boards and committees and was honored for his contributions to the community on several occasions.

Ebeling also published a book titled “The Oakwood Scrapbook,” which focused on the history of the city.

Ebeling was preceded in death by his wife Martha Bowman Ebeling — the couple was married for 61 years — and a brother, Philip C. Ebeling Jr.

He is survived by his children: Leisa Lowrey and her husband Jon, son Mark Ebeling, and the Rev. Amy McCreath and her husband Brian. He is also survived by a host of grandchildren.

Services for Ebeling will be held beginning at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 29, at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 33 W. Dixon Ave., in Oakwood.

The family is asking that contributions be made to either the Oakwood Schools Foundation, Oakwood Historical Society or the Stage Wright Friends. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.routsong.com.

Statement from Oakwood Historical Society:

Harry’s great passion was the history of the local region, especially Oakwood. His research and reporting laid the foundation for the organization we know today as the Oakwood Historical Society. He was a longtime leader, president, and activist with the Society, and established a relationship with city officials that strengthened the efforts for preservation which continues to this day.

Statement from Oakwood Schools Foundation:

All of Oakwood is saddened by the news of Harry Ebeling’s passing. He generously gave his time, energy and resources to the community. Harry was the founding force of what is known as the Oakwood Schools Foundation. It will forever be his legacy in the Oakwood community. He and his wife, Marty, were key leaders in raising $500,000 to establish a permanent endowment to benefit the Oakwood School system. His vision, spirit and leadership will be missed. We send our condolences to the Ebeling family.